Vehicle Cargo Container and Lift Frame Assembly with Inflatable Bag-Assisted Lift Frame for Vehicle

ABSTRACT

Lift frames for a vehicle in this disclosure may include a frame body on a top portion of a frame, the frame body extending from a first end to a second end; a lift mechanism moveable with respect to the first end of the frame body, the lift mechanism comprising: a lift body having a first end and a second end, a lifting surface on the first end of the lift body and the second end of the lift body being positioned so as to be movable with respect to the first end of the frame body, wherein the lifting surface is positioned to engage an underside of a cargo container when placed on an upper side of the frame body; and an inflatable air bag having an upper side and a lower side and mounted on the lower side to a platform positioned on the frame beneath the lift body, wherein the inflatable air bag is connected on the upper side thereof to a mounting surface attached to the lift body; and a source of compressed air in fluid communication with the inflatable air bag. Such lift frames may include one or more such lift mechanisms associated with the compressed air source and the lift frames may be used to load and unload cargo containers locked and supported by the lift frames in transit and unlocked and detached from the lift frames when delivered in an easy and safe manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention is related to the field of vehicle frames used forsupporting removable loads such as a cargo body on a vehicle, andparticularly related to improving a frame lift device for assisting thelifting function to protect cargo and a cargo body in use.

Description of Related Art

Vehicles such as tractor trailer trucks that are used for hauling cargo,may have either detachable semitrailers that include cargo loaded bodiessuch as containers or boxes, wherein the semitrailers having a wheelbase and/or may have include trailer frames that can support a cargobody (such as a container, box or other load). In a tractor trailer, thesemitrailer is typically attached via a fifth wheel coupling. Fordetachable cargo bodies, unloading and reloading can be time-consuming.This can be particularly an issue also when the tractor trailer isdropping off a container and will do the next delivery using a differentcargo body that has to be loaded on the trailer chassis frame. Liftmechanisms have been developed in the art to make such cargo loading andunloading easier.

Solutions for easing this task have been presented over time. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 3,752,502 teaches addition of two pallets withlifting devices placed near two fifth wheel coupling assemblies on apole trailer. Legs are extended beneath the pole trailer for unloading,and the lifting device near each fifth wheel coupling is raised toengage the pallet. The lifting devices are each an inflatable air bagattached to two metal plates mounted to the bottom of the fifth wheelcoupling assembly and to the trailer frame in a box-like structureformed using hinge plates. The bags are inflated and deflatedindependently to assist in lifting. Braking cylinders are used to lockthe plates which are generally flat.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,663,013 discloses a specialty frame having a frame bodyusing an inflatable air bag as a lifting mechanism mounted on a mountingplate and including a set of guides.

Chinese Utility Model 202518146 U discloses an airlift inflation balloonand a rotary bearing wherein the entire trailer is lifted from a parkedvehicle using only a central lift. A rotary, revolving bearing and acarrier plate operate on the air lift.

A dump truck lift for dumping a load by tilting is shown in ChineseUtility Model 87 2 14886 U, wherein a pneumatic transmission uses wastegas from the vehicle engine to power a lift device. The carriage bottomof the dumping portion of the truck is thrust upward by an air bag overits full length to improve stress on the bottom beam of the vehiclecarriage and reduce deadweight of the vehicle.

Great British Patent Publication No. GB 2 355 247 A teaches a tippingtrailer that tilts relative to the chassis by an inflating air bag, aswith the above-noted Chinese Utility Model, it is powered by vehiclewaste gas. The box of the trailer is tilted and the flap for dumpingcontents dumps off the back of the truck.

Chassis lifts are known that incorporate hydraulic lifts and lockinghooks into a chassis frame. Such a device can be used with vans,curtain-sided, refrigerated, flatbed and container trucks. In use, adriver with a full load, sets his or her parking brake, and turns on asafety cut switch, and exits the cab of the truck. The electricalconnections are unplugged and a locking lever is then used to unlock thebody (i.e., to release the locking hooks). The chassis lift is thenactivated and raises the cargo body higher than the base of the chassis.Stowable legs are slid out of their stowed area by the driver. The legsare adjusted to compensate for terrain and locked into place. Thechassis lift is then lowered and the truck cab pulls away leaving thecargo body standing independently on the four legs. The same procedurecan be reversed to re-load the same or a different cargo container orbox on the chassis for a second load. Such a device is made and sold byDemountable Concepts Inc., of Glassboro, NJ.

Airbag chassis lift systems of the prior art while possibly useful whentilting is desired, are difficult to control in a stable manner whenlifting a cargo container or box off of a chassis. Stability and aircontrol as well as pressurization control in heavier loads havepresented issues. While other chassis lifts are known, weightdistribution can also create unnecessary wear on lift mechanisms.

Thus there remains a need in the art for a chassis or frame liftmechanism that allows for stable weight distribution and lifting whiledemounting a cargo container or box from a semitrailer or similarvehicle that does not put undue stress on the chassis, is stable andeasy to use, and allows for quick demounting and reloading of asemitrailer in delivery and transport.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention herein provides an efficient, safe and effective methodfor attaching and detaching a cargo container from a lift frame attachedto a vehicle. A driver driving a semitrailer or similar vehicle towing aframe having positioned thereof a cargo container, can lock and unlockthe cargo container from the lift frame, and easily position supportlegs using a unique lift frame assembly as described herein.

In a first embodiment herein, the invention includes a lift frame for avehicle, comprising: a frame body on a top portion of a frame, the framebody extending from a first end to a second end; a lift mechanismmoveable with respect to the first end of the frame body, the liftmechanism comprising: a lift body having a first end and a second end, alifting surface on the first end of the lift body and the second end ofthe lift body being positioned so as to be movable with respect to thefirst end of the frame body, wherein the lifting surface is positionedto engage an underside of a cargo container when placed on an upper sideof the frame body; and an inflatable air bag having an upper side and alower side and mounted on the lower side to a platform positioned on theframe beneath the lift body, wherein the inflatable air bag is connectedon the upper side thereof to a mounting surface attached to the liftbody; and a source of compressed air in fluid communication with theinflatable air bag.

In one embodiment of the lift frame, the lift body may comprise at leasttwo extending lift arms, each pivotably mounted on the second end of thelift body to the first end of the frame body. The lifting surface may beattached to the first end of the lift body and connected to at least twoof the extending lift arms. The lifting surface may also be located onmounting flanges rotatably positioned on a bar extending between two ofthe at least two extending lift arms, which two extending lift arms maybe located on outermost sides of the lift body.

The frame may comprise a longitudinally extending base frame positionedbeneath and supporting a lower side of the frame body.

The source of compressed air may comprise a compressor, an electroniccontrol panel for operating the compressor, a pressure gauge and conduitfor allowing compressed air to be fed into the lower side of theinflatable air bag.

The lift frame noted above may also comprise a second lift mechanismmoveable with respect to the second end of the frame body. The secondlift mechanism may comprise: a second lift body having a first end and asecond end, a second lifting surface on the second end of the secondlift body and the first end of the second lift body being positioned soas to be movable with respect to the second end of the frame body,wherein the second lifting surface is positioned to engage an undersideof a cargo container when placed on an upper side of the frame body; anda second inflatable air bag having an upper side and a lower side andmounted on the lower side to a second platform positioned on the framebeneath the second lift body, wherein the second inflatable air bag isconnected on the upper side thereof to a second mounting surfaceattached to the second lift body; and wherein the source of compressedair is also in fluid communication with the second inflatable air bag.

In such an embodiment, the second lift body may comprise at least twoextending lift arms, each pivotably mounted on the first end of thesecond lift body to the second end of the frame body. The second liftingsurface may be attached to the second end of the lift body and connectedto at least two of the extending lift arms of the second lift body. Thesecond lifting surface may also be located on mounting flanges rotatablypositioned on a bar extending between two of the at least two extendinglift arms of the second lift body, which two extending lift arms may belocated on outermost sides of the second lift body.

The frame body of the lift frame of the first embodiment preferablyincludes a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may include aplurality of locking hooks rotatably operable on at least onetransversely extending beam interconnected by a longitudinally extendingbeam, wherein the hooks are actuated by a locking lever positioned onthe frame body.

The frame of the lift frame may comprise a longitudinally extending baseframe positioned beneath and supporting a lower side of the frame body,wherein a vehicle-side end of the base frame comprises a loading stopfor a cargo container when loaded on the frame and a rear end of thebase frame is configured for seating a cargo container when loaded onthe frame.

In another embodiment herein, the invention may include a lift frame fora vehicle, comprising: a frame body on a top portion of a frame, theframe body extending from a first end to a second end; and furtherincludes a first and a second lift mechanism. The first lift mechanismis moveable with respect to the first end of the frame body, andcomprises: a first lift body having a first end and a second end, afirst lifting surface on the first end of the first lift body and thesecond end of the first lift body being positioned so as to be movablewith respect to the first end of the frame body, wherein the firstlifting surface is positioned to engage an underside of a cargocontainer when placed on an upper side of the frame body; and a firstinflatable air bag having an upper side and a lower side and mounted onthe lower side to a first platform positioned on the frame beneath thefirst lift body, wherein the first inflatable air bag is connected onthe upper side thereof to a first mounting surface attached to the firstlift body. The second lift mechanism is moveable with respect to thesecond end of the frame body, and may comprise: a second lift bodyhaving a first end and a second end, a second lifting surface on thesecond end of the second lift body and the first end of the second liftbody being positioned so as to be movable with respect to the second endof the frame body, wherein the second lifting surface is positioned toengage an underside of a cargo container when placed on the upper sideof the frame body; and a second inflatable air bag having an upper sideand a lower side and mounted on the lower side to a second platformpositioned on the frame beneath the second lift body, wherein the secondinflatable air bag is connected on the upper side thereof to a secondmounting surface attached to the second lift body. The lift frame alsocomprises a source of compressed air in fluid communication with thefirst and the second inflatable air bags.

In one embodiment of such a lift frame, the first lift body may compriseat least two extending lift arms, each pivotably mounted on the secondend of the lift body to the first end of the frame body and the secondlift body may comprise at least two extending lift arms, each pivotablymounted on the first end of the second lift body to the second end ofthe frame body. The first lifting surface may be attached to the firstend of the first lift body and connected to at least two of theextending lift arms of the first lift body and wherein the secondlifting surface may be attached to the second end of the second liftbody and connected to at least two of the extending lift arms of thesecond lift body. The first lifting surface may also be located onmounting flanges rotatably positioned on a bar extending between two ofthe at least two extending lift arms of the first lift body, which twoextending lift arms may be located on outermost sides of the first liftbody, and wherein the second lifting surface may be located on mountingflanges rotatably positioned on a bar extending between two of the atleast two extending lift arms of the second lift body, which twoextending lift arms may be located on outermost sides of the second liftbody.

The lift frame of this embodiment may comprise a longitudinallyextending base frame positioned beneath and supporting a lower side ofthe frame body. The lift frame may also comprise a source of compressedair that includes a compressor, an electronic control panel foroperating the compressor, a pressure gauge and conduit for allowingcompressed air to be fed into the lower side of the inflatable air bag.

In such embodiment, the frame body preferably also includes a lockingmechanism. The locking mechanism may include a plurality of lockinghooks rotatably operable on at least one transversely extending beaminterconnected by a longitudinally extending beam, wherein the hooks areactuated by a locking lever positioned on the frame body.

The frame may comprise a longitudinally extending base frame positionedbeneath and supporting a lower side of the frame body, wherein avehicle-side end of the base frame comprises a loading stop for a cargocontainer when loaded on the frame and a rear end of the base frame isconfigured for seating a cargo container when loaded on the frame.

Also within the invention is a vehicle cargo container and lift frameassembly, comprising: a frame body on a top portion of a frame, theframe body extending from a first end to a second end; a cargo containerconfigured to be removably seated on the frame so as to cover the framebody; a lift mechanism moveable with respect to the first end of theframe body, wherein the lift mechanism comprises: a lift body having afirst end and a second end, a lifting surface on the first end of thelift body and the second end of the lift body being positioned so as tobe movable with respect to the first end of the frame body, wherein thelifting surface is positioned to engage an underside of the cargocontainer when placed on an upper side of the frame body; and aninflatable air bag having an upper side and a lower side and mounted onthe lower side to a platform positioned on the frame beneath the liftbody, wherein the inflatable air bag is connected on the upper sidethereof to a mounting surface attached to the lift body; and a source ofcompressed air in fluid communication with the inflatable air bag.

In this embodiment of the assembly, the lift body may comprise at leasttwo extending lift arms, each pivotably mounted on the second end of thelift body to the first end of the frame body. The lifting surface mayattached to the first end of the lift body and connected to at least twoof the extending lift arms. The lifting surface may also be located onmounting flanges rotatably positioned on a bar extending between two ofthe at least two extending lift arms, which two extending lift arms arelocated on outermost sides of the lift body.

In the assembly, the frame may comprise a longitudinally extending baseframe positioned beneath and supporting a lower side of the frame body.

Also in the assembly, the source of compressed air may comprise acompressor, an electronic control panel for operating the compressor, apressure gauge and conduit for allowing compressed air to be fed intothe lower side of the inflatable air bag.

The assembly may also include a second lift mechanism moveable withrespect to the second end of the frame body, the second lift mechanismmay comprise: a second lift body having a first end and a second end, asecond lifting surface on the second end of the second lift body and thefirst end of the second lift body being positioned so as to be movablewith respect to the second end of the frame body, wherein the secondlifting surface is positioned to engage an underside of the cargocontainer when placed on the upper side of the frame body; and a secondinflatable air bag having an upper side and a lower side and mounted onthe lower side to a second platform positioned on the frame beneath thesecond lift body, wherein the second inflatable air bag is connected onthe upper side thereof to a second mounting surface attached to thesecond lift body; and wherein the source of compressed air is also influid communication with the second inflatable air bag.

In such embodiment of the assembly, the second lift body may comprise atleast two extending lift arms, each pivotably mounted on the first endof the second lift body to the second end of the frame body. The secondlifting surface may be attached to the second end of the second liftbody and connected to at least two of the extending lift arms of thesecond lift body. The second lifting surface may also be located onmounting flanges rotatably positioned on a bar extending between two ofthe at least two extending lift arms of the second lift body, which twoextending lift arms may be located on outermost sides of the second liftbody.

The assembly may also include a locking mechanism on the frame body. Thelocking mechanism may include a plurality of locking hooks rotatablyoperable on at least one transversely extending beam interconnected by alongitudinally extending beam, wherein the hooks are actuated by alocking lever positioned on the frame body.

The frame of the assembly may comprise a longitudinally extending baseframe positioned beneath and supporting a lower side of the frame body,wherein a vehicle-side end of the base frame comprises a loading stopfor the cargo container when positioned on the frame and a rear end ofthe base frame is configured for seating the cargo container whenpositioned on the frame.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the cargo container may comprise abase that defines a plurality of recesses configured for receivingsupport legs, and the assembly may further comprise retractable supportlegs pivotally attached to the base of the cargo container. The supportlegs may be adjustable and may comprise a hinge on one end thereof forpivotal movement. The assembly may also further comprise a lock warninglight for placement in a cab of a truck.

The invention further includes a method of loading a cargo container ona lift frame of a vehicle to create a vehicle cargo container and liftframe assembly attached to a vehicle, comprising: (a) attaching a liftframe to a rear of a vehicle, wherein the lift frame comprises a framebody on a top portion of a frame, the frame body extending from a firstend to a second end; a lift mechanism moveable with respect to the firstend of the frame body, the lift mechanism comprising: a lift body havinga first end and a second end, a lifting surface on the first end of thelift body and the second end of the lift body being positioned so as tobe movable with respect to the first end of the frame body, wherein thelifting surface is positioned to engage an underside of the cargocontainer when placed on an upper side of the frame body; and aninflatable air bag having an upper side and a lower side and mounted onthe lower side to a platform positioned on the frame beneath the liftbody, wherein the inflatable air bag is connected on the upper sidethereof to a mounting surface attached to the lift body; and a source ofcompressed air in fluid communication with the inflatable air bag; (b)backing the vehicle and the attached lift frame under the cargocontainer, wherein the cargo container is supported on a plurality ofsupport legs, and the cargo container having a first end and a secondend; (c) inflating the inflatable air bag using the source of compressedair to lift the first end of the cargo container such that an undersideof the cargo container contacts the lifting surface; (d) removing thesupport legs; (e) deflating the inflatable air bag using the source ofcompressed air; and (f) locking the cargo container to the frame body.

In one embodiment of the method of loading a cargo container, the cargocontainer may comprises a base having recesses therein, and the step ofremoving the support legs may comprise lifting the support legs andstowing them in the recesses in the base of the cargo container.

In another embodiment of the method of loading a cargo container, thelift frame may further comprise a second lift mechanism moveable withrespect to the second end of the frame body. The second lift mechanismmay comprise: a second lift body having a first end and a second end, asecond lifting surface on the second end of the second lift body and thefirst end of the second lift body being positioned so as to be movablewith respect to the second end of the frame body, wherein the secondlifting surface may be positioned to engage the underside of the cargocontainer when placed on the upper side of the frame body; and a secondinflatable air bag having an upper side and a lower side and mounted onthe lower side to a second platform positioned on the frame beneath thesecond lift body, wherein the second inflatable air bag is connected onthe upper side thereof to a second mounting surface attached to thesecond lift body; and the source of compressed air is also in fluidcommunication with the second inflatable air bag. In such embodiment,the method may further comprise after step (b) and before step (f), (g)inflating the second inflatable air bag using the source of compressedair to lift the second end of the cargo container such that theunderside of the cargo container contacts the second lifting surface;and (h) deflating the second inflatable air bag using the source ofcompressed air.

In this embodiment of the method of loading a cargo container the firstand the second inflatable air bags may be inflated in steps (c) and (g)simultaneously. In addition, in one embodiment of the method of loadinga cargo container, the first and the second inflatable air bags may bedeflated in steps (e) and (h) simultaneously. Further, in anotherembodiment, the first and the second inflatable air bags may besimultaneously inflated in steps (c) and (g) and simultaneously deflatedin steps (e) and (h).

In the method of loading a cargo container, the cargo container maycomprise a base having a plurality of recesses therein for receiving theplurality of support legs, and removing the support legs may compriselifting the support legs located on the first end of the cargo containerand stowing them in the recesses located in the base at the first end ofthe cargo container when the first inflatable bag is inflated, andlifting the support legs located on the second end of the cargocontainer and stowing them in the recesses located in the base at thesecond end of the cargo container when the second inflatable bag isinflated.

The invention may also include in yet a further embodiment, a method ofunloading a cargo container from a lift frame of a vehicle cargocontainer and lift frame assembly so as to detach the vehicle cargocontainer from the lift frame, comprising: (a) unlocking the cargocontainer from a frame body of the lift frame, the frame body positionedon a top portion of a frame, wherein the frame body extends from a firstend to a second end, and the cargo container has a first end and asecond end; (b) inflating an inflatable air bag using a source ofcompressed air in fluid communication with the inflatable air bag tolift the first end of the cargo container off the frame, wherein thelift frame comprises the frame and the frame body; a lift mechanismmoveable with respect to the first end of the frame body, the liftmechanism comprising: a lift body having a first end and a second end, alifting surface on the first end of the lift body and the second end ofthe lift body being positioned so as to be movable with respect to thefirst end of the frame body, wherein the lifting surface is positionedto engage an underside of the cargo container positioned on an upperside of the frame body and wherein when the first end of the cargocontainer is lifted it contacts the lifting surface; and the inflatableair bag having an upper side and a lower side and mounted on the lowerside to a platform positioned on the frame beneath the lift body,wherein the inflatable air bag is connected on the upper side thereof toa mounting surface attached to the lift body; (c) positioning aplurality of support legs of the cargo container in a support position;(d) deflating the inflatable air bag using the source of compressed air;and (e) driving the vehicle attached to the frame away from the cargocontainer in the support position.

In one embodiment of the method of unloading a cargo container from alift frame, the plurality of support legs may be positioned in thesupport position by removing the support legs from recesses in a base ofthe cargo container and adjustably moving them into the supportposition.

In another embodiment of the method of unloading a cargo container froma lift frame, the lift frame may further comprise a second liftmechanism moveable with respect to the second end of the frame body. Thesecond lift mechanism may comprise: a second lift body having a firstend and a second end, a second lifting surface on the second end of thesecond lift body and the first end of the second lift body beingpositioned so as to be movable with respect to the second end of theframe body, wherein the second lifting surface is positioned to engagethe underside of the cargo container positioned on the upper side of theframe body; and a second inflatable air bag having an upper side and alower side and mounted on the lower side to a second platform positionedon the frame beneath the second lift body, wherein the second inflatableair bag is connected on the upper side thereof to a second mountingsurface attached to the second lift body; and the source of compressedair is also in fluid communication with the second inflatable air bag.In such an embodiment, the method may further comprise after step (a)and before step (e), (f) inflating the second inflatable air bag usingthe source of compressed air to lift the second end of the cargocontainer such that the underside of the cargo container contacts thesecond lifting surface; and (g) deflating the second inflatable air bagusing the source of compressed air.

In such an embodiment of the method of unloading a cargo container, theplurality of support legs may be positioned in the support position byfirst moving the support legs from first recesses in a base of the cargocontainer located at the first end of the cargo container and adjustablymoving the support legs from the first recesses into the supportposition while the first inflatable air bag is inflated and then movingthe support legs from second recesses in the base of the cargo containerlocated at the second end of the cargo container and adjustably movingthe support legs from the second recesses into the support positionwhile the second inflatable air bag is inflated.

Also in an embodiment of the method of unloading a cargo container froma lift frame, the first and the second inflatable air bags may besimultaneously inflated during steps (b) and (f). The first and thesecond inflatable air bags may be simultaneously deflated during steps(d) and (g) in the method. Further the first and the second inflatableair bags may be simultaneously inflated during steps (b) and (f) andsimultaneously deflated during steps (d) and (g).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofpreferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood whenread in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodimentswhich are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, thatthe invention is not limited to the precise arrangements andinstrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a lift frameaccording to the invention wherein the lift frame includes two liftmechanism(s) which are both in a deflated position;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a lift mechanism positioned near the front(truck-side) of the lift frame of FIG. 1 wherein the lift mechanism isdeflated;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the lift frame of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side elevational view of a portion of the liftmechanism of the lift frame of FIGS. 1 and 3 ;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the lift frame of FIG. 1 with bothlift mechanism(s) inflated;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a lift mechanism positioned near the front(truck-side) of the lift frame of FIG. 5 with the lift mechanisminflated;

FIG. 7 is a partial bottom perspective view of the lift frame of FIG. 1with attachments removed and both lift mechanism(s) inflated;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 7 showing an air inletto the inflatable air bag of one of the lift mechanism(s) of FIG. 7 nearthe front (truck-side) end of the lift frame;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the lift frame of FIG. 1wherein the lift mechanism is positioned near the back (rear-side) ofthe lift frame of FIG. 1 (i.e., away from the truck side of the frame)with the lift mechanism deflated;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view showing a vehicle having the liftframe of FIG. 1 attached thereto partially underneath a cargo containeraccording to an embodiment herein in a support position, indicatingeither a vehicle moving in position to either pull away from an unloadedcargo container having support legs in a support position or backinginto position beneath a cargo container having support legs in a supportposition for loading a cargo container depending on a direction ofmovement;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the vehicle of FIG. 10 positionedbeneath the cargo container of FIG. 10 over a lift frame as in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the vehicle of FIG. 10 with a rearlift mechanism of the lift frame of FIG. 1 inflated and rear supportlegs stowed within a base of the cargo container of FIG. 10 ;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the vehicle of FIG. 10 with afront lift mechanism of the lift frame of FIG. 1 inflated and allsupport legs stowed within the base of the cargo container of FIG. 10 ;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the vehicle of FIG. 10 with thefront and rear lift mechanism(s) of the lift frame of FIG. 1 deflatedand all support legs stowed within the base of the cargo container ofFIG. 10 ;

FIG. 15 is a further enlarged portion of the lift frame of FIG. 3showing details of a locking lift arm for a locking mechanism andcontrols for the lift frame of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of the air compressor control system forthe lift frame of FIG. 1 ; and

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of a safety lock warning light and alarmpanel for use with the locking mechanism and lift frame hereof formounting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A lift frame is provided herein which may be used with various vehicles.The lift frame may receive a cargo load of varying types including thoseincluded in standard cargo containers such as standard-sized containerboxes, specialty cargo containers or boxes, direct cargo intended to siton a frame, base or trailer thereof, another vehicle or another trailerbeing towed behind a first trailer (double trailer), or other types ofsemitrailer loads, as well as twin trailers (which may be configured tohave a twin lift frame or to have one of the trailers include a liftframe as described herein). As used herein, and as will be understood byone skilled in the art reading this disclosure, a “cargo container,” mayinclude any of the above which may benefit from a lift frame asdescribed herein to support and assist loading and unloading cargo froma trailer frame, wherein the cargo container is intended to or couldbenefit from being detached from a trailer frame.

As used herein, words such as “upper” and “lower,” “inner” and “outer,”“top” and “bottom,” “upperside” and “underside,” and words of similarimport are intended to assist one of skill in the art in reading thedisclosure and understanding the invention with reference to thedrawings and are not generally intended to be limiting to the scope ofthe invention.

Further, in the Summary hereof reference is made to “first” and “second”ends and sides of various components such as the frame body, liftmechanism, cargo container and other corresponding parts. It should beunderstood by one skilled in the art based on this disclosure that such“first” and “second” parts are intended to be consistent with each otherin terms of position and to be distinct from one another but to beinterpreted to refer to both a front to rear or rear to frontconfiguration in order to cover variations in embodiments within thescope of the invention. That is, the “first end” may be used to indicatethe vehicle-side or the rear-side (side away from the vehicle-side) ofthe frame body, lift mechanism, cargo container or other correspondingparts. When the “first end” is viewed as one of these sides, the “secondend” would be the opposite end of the first end.

Thus, the embodiments described in the Summary may be interpreted suchthat the lift frame may be operated using only one lift mechanism on alift frame which lift frame may have one or two lift mechanismsavailable on the lift frame. Thus, one could operate only one liftmechanism positioned on either end of a lift frame (vehicle end or rearend) having only one lift mechanism. Alternatively, one could providethe lift frame with two lift mechanisms (as shown in the preferredembodiment of the Figures herein), and both lift mechanisms may be usedand operated independently (and sequentially, vehicle-side firstfollowed by rear side second or rear side first followed by vehicle sidesecond), or used and operated simultaneously. It is also possible thattwo such lift mechanisms are provided, but only one is actually operatedand not the other. Thus, “first” and “second” in the Summary whileintending to refer to opposite ends or sides and to be used consistentlyin that regard with other similarly denominated parts in an embodiment,but are not intended to refer always to a specific directional end(front/vehicle-side end or rear end) unless specifically identified assuch, and showing or referencing two lift mechanisms should not beconsidered to limit the invention to requiring two such mechanismsabsent an express recitation thereof.

For convenience and to thoroughly explain the invention hereof, thefollowing description will be set forth with respect to an embodimenthaving two lift mechanisms, a front or vehicle-side lift mechanism and arear lift mechanism. In the embodiment of the lift frame, assembly andmethods herein the operation of the lift frame will be described ashaving both lift mechanisms operational and operating sequentially,however, one of the two may be omitted or the mechanisms operatedsimultaneously or in an opposite manner to that described withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention herein.

According to one embodiment, herein, a lift frame is described for usein supporting a cargo container. The lift frame will be describedinitially with reference to FIGS. 1-19 . FIG. 1 shows a perspective viewof a lift frame, generally referred to herein as lift frame 10. The liftframe 10 includes a frame body 12 situated on a top portion 14 of aframe 16. The frame 16 also includes a base frame 18 below the framebody 12 of the lift frame 10. The frame body 12 extends between avehicle side end 20 to a rearward end 22 (which could be viewed as afirst and a second end, or a second and first ends, respectively). Theframe body 12 is shown as having a rectangular configuration havingsteam beam sides and enclosing a preferred embodiment of an optionallocking mechanism 24 described further below.

The base frame 18 provides the trailer base of the lift frame 10 andlies beneath and supports both the lower side 26 of the frame body 10and associated lift mechanism(s). The base frame 18 extendslongitudinally (as preferably does the frame body) and has at a rear end28 of the base frame 18 a section 30 that is configured to seat a cargocontainer when loaded on the frame 16. A vehicle-side end 32 of the baseframe 18 is configured to have various typical and conventionalconnecting components as are known in the art to connect a trailer orsemitrailer in particular to a vehicle for towing (for example toconnect to a fifth wheel coupling). The vehicle-side end 32 may alsoinclude a loading stop 34 element for receiving a cargo container whenloaded and/or otherwise positioned on the frame 16.

The base frame 18 may also support various truck control elements 40,air supply units 36, a compressor 38 and any other desired or associatedelectronic components (electrical truck connections and the like). Theframe body 12 may include a mount for the controls 42 for the liftmechanism(s) for inflating and deflating such mechanism(s). It may alsoinclude a locking lever 44 (or a similar device) for use with a lockingmechanism as described below.

The lift frame 10 includes one or two lift mechanism(s) 46. Each liftmechanism 46 includes preferably identical parts, although if desired,it will be understood by one skilled in the art based on this disclosurethat the designs may be varied for individual preferences such as totake account in variations in load or the shape and/or size of the loadprovided by the cargo container. For the purpose of describing apreferred embodiment shown in the drawings, there are two liftmechanisms 46, one positioned near the vehicle-side end 32 of the baseframe 16 and one positioned near the rear end 28 of the base frame 16.Each has the same components but is positioned to generally extend inopposite directions, with each moveably mounted on an opposite end ofthe frame body and extending outwardly from the frame body to a freesupport end. Thus, each of the lift mechanisms lifts in an upwarddirection on its free support end while its base frame end remainsmoveably mounted to the frame body.

With reference to FIGS. 1-6 , one lift mechanism is described withreference to a vehicle-side lift mechanism 46. The lift mechanism 46 hasa lift body 47 which extends from a frame body end 48 where it ismoveably mounted. As shown herein, the lift body 47 is mounted using areinforced pin-mounted hinge 50 allowing it to move upwardly from theframe so as to be moveable with respect to a vehicle-side end 20 of theframe body 12. While two pin-mounted hinges 50 are shown, other devicesallowing for movement up and down in a preferably pivotable manner maybe used, such as sliding hinges, ball and socket hinges, a single, longhinge extending across the frame body end, pneumatic orhydraulic-assisted lift rotatable hinges, and the like. Opposite theframe body end 48 is a support lifting end 52 of the lift body 47. Thesupport lifting end 52 has lifting surface 54. The lifting surface 54 ispositioned to engage an underside 56 of a cargo container 58 when placedon an upper side 60 of the frame body 12 as shown, for example, inassembly FIG. 14 .

The lift body may be configured in various ways provided it can carryout the functions described herein. As shown, a lift body 47 isconstructed using two extending lift arms 62 extending from the framebody end 48 longitudinally toward a supporting lifting end 52 which forthis lift body 47 is positioned near the vehicle-side end of the frame16, however, multiple support arms could be provided between the twooutermost extending lift arms 62 as shown. At the frame body end 48 ofthe lift body, each of the extending lift arms 62 is preferablypivotably mounted on the vehicle-side end 20 of the frame body 12 usinghinges 50. A further support bar 64 is provided extending transverselybetween the extending lift arms 62. At the support lifting end 52 of thelift body (in this instance positioned on the vehicle-side end of theframe), a further transverse end support bar 66 is mounted at the end ofthe extending arms 62 forming an area between the traverse bar 64, theextending lift arms 62 and the transverse end support bar 66 which areais used to secure a mounting surface 68 for an inflatable air bag asdescribed below. The mounting surface 68 may be on the bottom of a plate70 as best shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 8 .

In the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1-6 , the lifting surface 54 ispositioned on top of two flanges 72 which are rotatably positioned onthe transverse end support bar 66, one on each transverse end thereof.Such flanges 72 can rotate while the lift body 47 moves upwardly whilelaying planar with respect to an underside 56 of a cargo container 58when contacting the lifting surface. The lifting surface 54 couldalternatively extend as a single rotatable piece along the entiretransverse end support bar 66, or a design could be configured whereinthe transverse end support bar is molded or otherwise formed to have atransversely extending lifting surface. Preferably, the lifting surface54 is attached to the support lifting end 52 of the lift body shown nearthe vehicle-side end of the frame or generally on the side of the liftbody opposite that which is moveably positioned with respect to theframe body.

The lift body and associated parts are preferably formed of a metal ormetal alloy or reinforced composite having sufficient strength towithstand a maximum cargo container load for which the frame is intendedto hold in use. Locking hooks, lift surfaces and other structuralsupport parts are preferably formed of stainless steel which may begalvanized. Materials should be selected based on load requirements andapplicable vehicle government and industry requirements. The liftingsurface 54, such as flanges 72 may be formed of similar materials butare preferably include a material having wear resistance and some impactcapability and a suitable physical properties to resist wear and impactdamage from repeated use and loading.

The lift mechanism 46 also includes an inflatable air bag 74 having anupper side 76 and a lower side 78. The inflatable air bag 74 is mountedon its lower side 78 to a platform 80 positioned on the frame 16,preferably on the base frame 18, beneath the lift body 47. Theinflatable air bag 74 may be formed from a flexible material ofsufficient strength to hold air pressure and support the cargo containerload applied to the air bag. Reinforced or high strength elastomers orflexible composites may be used to form the air bag. As shown, the airbag is compressed in at least one area 82 in a bellows-like manner toassist in compression when deflated.

The platform 80 is preferably also formed of materials of similarstrength to that used in the lift body 47. The upper side 76 of the airbag 74 as noted above is connected to a mounting surface 68 on a plate70 attached to the lift body. The air bag 74 is inflatable through anair inlet 84 in fluid communication between the air bag 74 and an aircompressor 38 having an air source 36. Any suitable compressor may beused and standard air system configuration employed to providepressure-controlled air to the air bag 74 through the inlet 84 on alower side 85 of the platform 80. The air compressor 38 and air source36 together act as a source of compressed (pressurized) air 39 for usein the lift frame. The compressor 38 preferably delivers pressurized airthrough conduit arranged as in FIG. 16 and using a pressure gauge 86 tomonitor the pressure which is controlled using pressure regulated checkvalves as shown in FIGS. 15-16 . On/off toggle switches 88, 90 areprovided further to control system box 42 for use in engaging theinflation and deflation control system discussed below for inflating anddeflating the air bag 74 shown in FIGS. 1-6 on the vehicle-side end ofthe lift frame and the other air bag 74 shown on the other liftmechanism 46 on the rear end side of the lift frame 10, which has thesame construction but is oriented to lift in the opposite direction asshown. Note that while toggle switches are shown, other controlswitches, buttons or other activation mechanisms may be used.

With reference to the lift mechanism 46 shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 5 and 9 (aswell as in the vehicle loading Figures) that is positioned on the rearend side of the lift frame 10, that lift mechanism 46 is also moveablewith respect to an end the frame body, but the lift body 47 thereof ismoveable with respect to the rear end 22 of the frame body 12. The liftbody 47 extends from a frame body end 48 where it is moveably mounted.The lift body 47 is preferably mounted as described above, and is shownusing reinforced pin-mounted hinges 50 allowing it to move upwardly fromthe frame so as to be moveable with respect to the rear end 22 of theframe body 12. Opposite the frame body end 48 is a support lifting end52 of the lift body 47 near the rear end of the frame 16. The supportlifting end 52 has lifting surface 54. The lifting surface 54 ispositioned to engage an underside 56 of a cargo container 58 when placedon an upper side 60 of the frame body 12 as shown, in assembly FIG. 14 .

As noted above with respect to the lift body 47 on the vehicle-side endof the frame 16, the a lift body 47 on the rear end side of the frame 16is preferably also constructed using two extending lift arms 62extending from the frame body end 48 of the lift body 47 longitudinallytoward the support lifting end 52 which in this lifting body is near therear end side of the frame 16, however, multiple support arms could beprovided between the two outermost extending lift arms 62 shown. At theframe body end 48 of the lift body 47, each of the extending lift arms62 is preferably pivotably mounted on the end 22 of the frame body 12using hinges 50 as described above. A further support bar 64 may also beprovided as with the other lift body described above and extendstransversely between the extending lift arms 62. At the support liftingend 52 of the lift body 47, a further transverse end support bar 66 maybe mounted at the end of the extending arms 62 forming an area betweenthe traverse bar 64, the extending lift arms 62 and the transverse endsupport bar 66 which area is used to secure a mounting surface 68 for afurther inflatable air bag. The mounting surface 68 may be on the bottomof a plate 70 as in the same manner shown with respect to thevehicle-side lift mechanism as described above.

The lifting surface 54 may be positioned on top of two flanges 72 alsodescribed above which are each rotatably positioned on the transverseend support bar 66, one on each transverse end thereof. Preferably, thelifting surface 54 is attached to the support lifting end 52 of the liftbody shown or generally on the side of the lift body opposite that whichis moveably positioned with respect to the frame body.

The lift mechanism 46 on the rear end of the frame 16 also includes aninflatable air bag 74 having an upper side 76 and a lower side 78. Theinflatable air bag 74 is mounted on its lower side 78 to a platform 80positioned on the frame 16, preferably on the base frame 18, beneath thelift body 47. The inflatable air bag 74 may be as described above. Asshown, the air bag is compressed in at least one area 82 in abellows-like manner to assist in compression when deflated.

The upper side 76 of the air bag 74 as noted above is connected to amounting surface 68 on a plate 70 attached to the lift body. The air bag74 is inflatable through its own air inlet 84 like the vehicle-side liftmechanism described above that is in fluid communication between the airbag 74 and the same air compressor 38 and sharing the same compressedair source 36. The compressor 38 preferably also delivers pressurizedair through conduit arranged as in FIG. 16 and using a pressure gauge 86to the air bag 74 on the rear end of the frame to monitor the pressurewhich is controlled using pressure regulated check valves as shown inFIGS. 15-16 .

The locking mechanism 24 for the lift frame 10 is preferably located onthe frame body 12. As shown, it has a plurality of locking hooks 92which are rotatably operable so as to move up into a locking positionand down into an unlocked position. In the locking position, the lockinghooks 92 may engage a base 94 of a cargo container 58. On an underside56 of the cargo container 58, frame structures (not shown) or othersuitable structures such as bars may be provided for receiving thelocking hooks 92. FIG. 1 shows the locking hooks 92 upright and in alocked position while the air bag(s) 74 are deflated. The locking lever44 is pulled up in a locked position. This is the position the liftframe locking device and air bags would be in when a cargo container ispositioned on the lift frame and locked to the lift frame. FIG. 5 showsthe locking hooks 92 in a downward position so as not to engage theunderside 56 of a cargo container. The locking lever 44 is positioneddownwardly in an unlocked position, and the air bags 74 are bothinflated. This is the position the lift frame would be in when the cargocontainer is unlocked from the lift frame and fully suspended allowingfor a driver to either stow or remove support legs while loading orunloading the cargo container as discussed further below.

In the embodiment shown, the locking mechanism 24 also includes pivothinges 96 on either end of a longitudinally extending central beam 98extending between and interconnecting two transversely extending beams100 on which locking hooks 92 are moveably engaged. The locking hooksare thus rotatably operable on the extending beams 98 and can rotate upand down for locking and unlocking respectively. Two hooks 92 are shownon each beam 100, however, one skilled in the art would understand basedon this disclosure that multiple hooks may be provided along each beamas well for additional points of locking and/or that other additionaltransverse beams may be used.

In a further embodiment, the lift frame 10 as describe above may beincorporated into an vehicle cargo container and lift frame assembly 110for use with vehicles such as hauling trucks and other vehicles notedherein. The assembly 110 is shown in locked form in FIG. 14 and in fullyunlocked and detached form in FIG. 10 . The lift frame 10 and cargocontainer 58 shown to illustrate the invention herein may be varied inthe manner noted above. However, the cargo container 58 is preferablyconfigured to be removably seated on the frame 16 so as to cover theframe body 12. The cargo container preferably has a base 94 as notedabove that can incorporate various features (not shown) such as frame orbar elements for receiving locking hooks. Such base 94 and furtherinclude recesses 102 for receiving support legs 104. Support legs areshown herein as stowable within the base 94. The support legs may beseparately provided however and need not be physically incorporated asshown in the preferred embodiment herein. They may be separatelyprovided for use in unloading, or otherwise positioned on the base ofthe cargo container. The cargo container may also be moveable by craneor similar lifting device to be placed on a separate frame or othercontainer when loading and unloading. However, in the preferredembodiment herein, as shown, stowable support legs 104 are provided sothat upon unloading, the cargo container can remain in a free standingand separate position (see FIG. 10 ) and need not be separately removedby crane or operators need not position free-standing support legsbeneath the container. The present invention provides a single operablecontainer that is free standing for use with the locking mechanism andlift frame herein.

As shown, there are preferably a plurality of recesses 102 for receivinglegs 104 and four such legs 104 and associated recesses 102 areprovided. Two recesses are shown in FIG. 10 on one side of the assembly110, but it would be understood that two additional recesses may beprovided on the opposite side of the cargo container for additionalsupport legs shown there. While four support legs are shown, it willalso be understood to one skilled in the art that further legs andrecesses may be provided (for example on a longer lift frame and cargocontainer) for additional support of the cargo container when is afree-standing position as in FIG. 10 . The support legs 104 as shownhave pivotal hinge guides 106 for supporting and guiding the supportlegs when retracting them from the cargo container by pulling themtransversely outwardly from the recesses and then pivoting them downwardinto the standing position as shown. The base is also lockablyadjustable for height (see adjustable foot 108). The recesses 102 areconfigured and sized to receive the support legs and may be positionedwithin a grid (open) or fully closed understructure on the underside ofthe cargo container to hold the support legs within the base 94 of thecargo container when not in use in a supported manner.

The bottom of the support legs have a base surface 112 that supports theload on the leg against a flat surface for stability. When stowedcompletely in the recesses as shown in FIGS. 12-14 , the base 118 isvisible and the legs are preferably locked into position with a lockingkey (not shown) which may be any suitable locking key to ensure lack ofmovement in transit.

The assembly 110 is preferably attachable and detachable from a vehicle.As described above a variety of vehicles may incorporate an assembly ofa cargo container (as defined herein) and a lift frame according to theinvention. In FIGS. 10-14 , a truck 112 is used as a vehicle having thelift frame 10 attached thereto. Such a truck 112 may incorporatestandard electronic controls as are known or to be developed in the artfor monitoring various functions of the truck and a semitrailer even ifincorporating the lift frame herein, such as for controlling warning andbackup lights, tail lights, blinkers, a fifth wheel coupling,lubrication system or hydraulic lifts or air bags for interiortires/wheels, and the like. Such controls may be positioned on thetruck, in or on the fifth wheel or on the lift frame. In the embodimentshown, the control feature such as a lock warning light and/or cut offswitch and alarm may be provided inside the cab 114 of the truck 112 toallow the driver to know if there is an issue with the lock or othermechanisms. Such a system is to be wired into the electronic controls ofthe truck and in communication with the lock controls. Such electroniccontrols for and their wiring are known to those skilled in the art forother controls and should be program to stop automated demounting and/orthe lift system as well as to shut down the vehicle and/or provide awarning should the driver attempt to drive the vehicle when the liftframe 10 is not locked to the cargo container. Such a control panelexample is shown in FIG. 17 , wherein a flood light 122 and body lockalarm 124 for security purposes are in a mounting bracket 126 as shown.Such panel may be mounted on the lift frame, base frame or other areawhere visible near the locking mechanism. Preferably, the panel is dashmounted for viewing within the cab 114 of the vehicle 112. However,warning lights and alarms may be placed on the lift frame and/or in thecab. Other suitable warning mechanisms and alarms may be provided aswell.

The invention also includes methods of loading a cargo container such ascargo container 58 on a lift frame such as lift frame 10 herein tocreate a vehicle and cargo and lift frame assembly 110 attached to avehicle such as vehicle 112, and a method for unloading a cargocontainer 58 from such a lift frame and vehicle cargo container and liftframe assembly 110 so as to detach the cargo container 58 from the liftframe 10. Each such method will be described below using FIGS. 10-14 .

In a method of loading a cargo container on a lift frame to create anassembly, in a first step a lift frame such as lift frame 10 is attachedto a vehicle such as vehicle 112. This forms a structure similar to atractor trailer, but having a lift frame 10 as a trailer therein. Thelift frame 10 may be as described above having the frame body 12, one ortwo lift mechanisms 46 as described above and a source of compressed air36 in fluid communication with the air bag(s) 74 on the respective liftmechanism(s) 46. The vehicle 112 with the lift frame 10 attached theretois preferably backed under the cargo container 58 which is in a supportposition and being supported on a plurality of support legs 104. When inthe support position, a vehicle 112 with a lift frame 10 attached may bemoved backwards or forwards as shown by directional arrows in FIG. 10 .In this loading method, the vehicle 112 and lift frame 10 are movedbackwards under the supported cargo container from a vehicle side end116 of the cargo container, generally leaving cargo container accessdoors (not shown) for access on a rear end 120 of the cargo container58. When the lift frame 10 is fully positioned under the cargo containeras shown in FIG. 11 , the stop preferably abuts or engages thevehicle-side end 116 of the cargo container 58.

In the lift frame embodiment shown, there are two lift mechanism 46, oneon either side of the frame body 12. Each is in the deflated positionand the locking lever 44 is positioned downward in the unlockedposition. Each support leg 104 remains in place supporting the cargocontainer 58. As shown in FIG. 12 , a lifting mechanism 46 positionednear the rear end 28 of the frame 16 is inflated by the source ofcompressed air 36 so that the lifting surface 54 of the lift body 47 ofthe lifting mechanism supports and raises the rear facing portion of thecargo container 58 and contacts the underside 56 of the cargo container58. Inflation of air bags allows for removal of the support legs. In theembodiment shown, inflating this air bag allows for the adjustablesupport legs 104 located near the rear end 120 of the cargo container tobe removed by lifting the two rear located support legs (sequentially byone operator or simultaneously by two operators) so as to pivot themupwards, preferably first by unlocking them, then once pivoted upwards,sliding them so as to stow them in the recesses 102 located in the base94 of the cargo container 58.

In FIG. 13 , the same steps noted in FIG. 12 are repeated for the otherlifting mechanism 46 positioned near the vehicle-side end 116 of thecargo container. As shown, the other lifting mechanism is inflated andthe support legs 104 that are positioned near the vehicle-side end 116of the cargo container are also stowed in the recesses 102 of the base94 of the cargo container in the same manner the prior two support legswere stowed. FIG. 13 thus shows a cargo container 58 fully supported ontwo lifting surfaces 54 and air bags 74 respectively so as to be abovethe upper side of the frame body 12. While inflating is shownsequentially to illustrate stowing of the support frames in a mannerpreferred herein, it should be understood by one skilled in the art inview of this disclosure that the air bag(s) 74 could have been bothinflated simultaneously and then all legs lifted and stowed in recesseswhen the cargo container is fully suspended and all legs lifted andstowed also sequentially or simultaneously depending on the number ofoperators available to carry out the method and the speed with which theoperator(s) wish to carry out the method.

In FIG. 14 , the air bag(s) are shown as deflated and the cargocontainer underside 56 is now supported by the lift frame and in contactwith the lifting surfaces 54. The locking mechanism 24 is now in thelocking position as demonstrated by the locking lever 44 in the upwardposition. The air bag(s) may be deflated one at a time orsimultaneously. FIG. 14 illustrates the vehicle cargo container and liftframe assembly 110 in a fully assembled and locked position attached toa vehicle 112.

In a method of unloading a cargo container from a lift frame of avehicle cargo container and lift frame assembly so as to detach thevehicle cargo container from the lift frame of the assembly, the methodwill now be described also with reference to FIGS. 10-14 .

Starting with FIG. 14 , a truck arrives with a cargo container and liftframe assembly in a fully assembled and locked position. The lift frame10 is positioned on the top portion of the frame 16. The lift frame isfirst unlocked from the frame body 12. The unlocking is done bydepressing the locking lever 44 into a downward position so as todisengage the locking mechanism 24.

After unlocking, one of the inflatable air bag(s) is inflated (althoughboth may be inflated at the same time) as shown in FIG. 13 . The supportlegs 104 are positioned in a support position. To do so, such supportlegs may be removed from the recesses of the cargo containersimultaneously while both air bags are inflated or may be removed insequence as shown in FIG. 12 , wherein a first set of support legs 104are removed from the recesses 102 near the vehicle-side end 116 of thecargo container and are positioned in the support position.

When the support legs 104 are in place, the air bag 74 near such supportlegs may be deflated as shown in FIG. 12 while the other air bag isstill inflated. If done simultaneously while both air bags are inflated,all legs would be removed and then both air bags deflated until theassembly appears as in FIG. 11 .

If done sequentially, after one set of legs is in position and one airbag deflated, then the other end of the cargo container may be similarlyre-positioned. For example, as shown in FIG. 12 , once the vehicle-sideend support legs are in position and the air bag deflated, then as shownin FIG. 11 , the same steps may be carried out on the rear end of theassembly, wherein the lift mechanism 46 positioned near the rear end ofthe frame 18 is deflated and the support legs 104 located near the rearend 120 of the cargo container are removed from the recesses, i.e., theyare extended transversely outwardly from the recesses and pivotablyguided downward into the support position, with the adjustable legs 108adjusted and locked in place, and the support leg base 118 in contactwith the ground. In either a sequential or simultaneous deflation, thesupport legs are put into the support position until the assembly is asshown in FIG. 11 which shows an unlocked lift frame attached to a truckbeneath a fully supported cargo container supported by support legs 104.

Once this is achieved, the vehicle with the lift frame attached isdriven away from the supported cargo container leaving it behind on thesupport legs. The vehicle is driven away with the cargo containerdetached in a forward direction as shown in directional arrows of FIG.10 so as to pull away from the cargo container 58.

FIG. 16 illustrates a control system 128 for the air compressor and liftframe herein. With reference to control panel 42 as in FIG. 15 , andusing the diagram in FIG. 16 , the two toggle switches noted above 88,90 are operably connected to the system via a valve 130 associated withtoggle 88 that lifts and lowers a selected air bag. The toggle 90operates a valve 132 for selection of the front and/or rear air bag. Thevalve can be selected and varied so as to operate one or the other airbag independently or simultaneously by user preference. Further thevalve 130 may be configured to fully inflate or deflate or to partiallyinflate or deflate by preference. The pressure flow from air tanks 36flows through the selector valves in a directed flow as selected throughpressure control/limiting valve(s) 134 to ensure that overly pressurizedair does not impact operation of the selected equipment. Air flowstowards the air bags 74 through an inflate/deflate control valve 140which can be or include a spring loaded check valve. Further a controlvalve 136 coupled with a further spring loaded check valve 138 may beinstalled in communication with inflate/deflate control valve 140.

Air tanks 36 preferably incorporate a relief valve 142 to relieveexcessive pressure and for safety reasons. A test connection 144 is alsoprovided to the air tanks 36. The tanks are also preferably equippedwith a drain valve 146. Other system configurations and assemblies arepossible for carrying out variations in embodiments herein in accordancewith control system techniques known in the art or to be developed.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the embodiments described above without departing from the broadinventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that thisinvention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but itis intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention as defined by the appended claims.

1-38. (canceled)
 39. A method of loading a cargo container on a liftframe of a vehicle to create a vehicle cargo container and lift frameassembly attached to a vehicle, comprising: (a) attaching a lift frameto a rear of a vehicle, wherein the lift frame comprises a frame body ona top portion of a frame, the frame body extending from a first end to asecond end; a lift mechanism moveable with respect to the first end ofthe frame body, the lift mechanism comprising: a lift body having afirst end and a second end, a lifting surface on the first end of thelift body and the second end of the lift body being positioned so as tobe movable with respect to the first end of the frame body, wherein thelifting surface is positioned to engage an underside of the cargocontainer when placed on an upper side of the frame body; and aninflatable air bag having an upper side and a lower side and mounted onthe lower side to a platform positioned on the frame beneath the liftbody, wherein the inflatable air bag is connected on the upper sidethereof to a mounting surface attached to the lift body; and a source ofcompressed air in fluid communication with the inflatable air bag; (b)backing the vehicle and the attached lift frame under the cargocontainer, wherein the cargo container is supported on a plurality ofsupport legs, and the cargo container having a first end and a secondend; (c) inflating the inflatable air bag using the source of compressedair to lift the first end of the cargo container such that an undersideof the cargo container contacts the lifting surface; (d) removing thesupport legs; (e) deflating the inflatable air bag using the source ofcompressed air; and (f) locking the cargo container to the frame body.40. The method of loading a cargo container on a lift frame of a vehicleto create a vehicle cargo container and lift frame assembly attached toa vehicle according to claim 39, wherein the cargo container comprises abase having recesses therein, and removing the support legs compriseslifting the support legs and stowing them in the recesses in the base ofthe cargo container.
 41. The method of loading a cargo container on alift frame of a vehicle to create a vehicle cargo container and liftframe assembly attached to a vehicle according to claim 39, wherein thelift frame further comprises a second lift mechanism moveable withrespect to the second end of the frame body, the second lift mechanismcomprising: a second lift body having a first end and a second end, asecond lifting surface on the second end of the second lift body and thefirst end of the second lift body being positioned so as to be movablewith respect to the second end of the frame body, wherein the secondlifting surface is positioned to engage the underside of the cargocontainer when placed on the upper side of the frame body; and a secondinflatable air bag having an upper side and a lower side and mounted onthe lower side to a second platform positioned on the frame beneath thesecond lift body, wherein the second inflatable air bag is connected onthe upper side thereof to a second mounting surface attached to thesecond lift body; and wherein the source of compressed air is also influid communication with the second inflatable air bag and the methodfurther comprises after step (b) and before step (f), (g) inflating thesecond inflatable air bag using the source of compressed air to lift thesecond end of the cargo container such that the underside of the cargocontainer contacts the second lifting surface; and (h) deflating thesecond inflatable air bag using the source of compressed air.
 42. Themethod of loading a cargo container on a lift frame of a vehicle tocreate a vehicle cargo container and lift frame assembly attached to avehicle according to claim 41, wherein the first and the secondinflatable air bags are inflated in steps (c) and (g) simultaneously.43. The method of loading a cargo container on a lift frame of a vehicleto create a vehicle cargo container and lift frame assembly attached toa vehicle according to claim 42, wherein the first and the secondinflatable air bags are deflated in steps (e) and (h) simultaneously.44. The method of loading a cargo container on a lift frame of a vehicleto create a vehicle cargo container and lift frame assembly attached toa vehicle according to claim 41, wherein the first and the secondinflatable air bags are deflated in steps (e) and (h) simultaneously.45. The method of loading a cargo container on a lift frame of a vehicleto create a vehicle cargo container and lift frame assembly attached toa vehicle according to claim 41, wherein the cargo container comprises abase having a plurality of recesses therein for receiving the pluralityof support legs, and wherein removing the support legs comprises liftingthe support legs located on the first end of the cargo container andstowing them in the recesses located in the base at the first end of thecargo container when the first inflatable bag is inflated, and liftingthe support legs located on the second end of the cargo container andstowing them in the recesses located in the base at the second end ofthe cargo container when the second inflatable bag is inflated.
 46. Amethod of unloading a cargo container from a lift frame of a vehiclecargo container and lift frame assembly so as to detach the vehiclecargo container from the lift frame, comprising: (a) unlocking the cargocontainer from a frame body of the lift frame, the frame body positionedon a top portion of a frame, wherein the frame body extends from a firstend to a second end, and the cargo container has a first end and asecond end; (b) inflating an inflatable air bag using a source ofcompressed air in fluid communication with the inflatable air bag tolift the first end of the cargo container off the frame, wherein thelift frame comprises the frame and the frame body; a lift mechanismmoveable with respect to the first end of the frame body, the liftmechanism comprising: a lift body having a first end and a second end, alifting surface on the first end of the lift body and the second end ofthe lift body being positioned so as to be movable with respect to thefirst end of the frame body, wherein the lifting surface is positionedto engage an underside of the cargo container positioned on an upperside of the frame body and wherein when the first end of the cargocontainer is lifted it contacts the lifting surface; and the inflatableair bag having an upper side and a lower side and mounted on the lowerside to a platform positioned on the frame beneath the lift body,wherein the inflatable air bag is connected on the upper side thereof toa mounting surface attached to the lift body; (c) positioning aplurality of support legs of the cargo container in a support position;(d) deflating the inflatable air bag using the source of compressed air;and (e) driving the vehicle attached to the frame away from the cargocontainer in the support position.
 47. The method of unloading a cargocontainer from a lift frame of a vehicle cargo container and lift frameassembly so as to detach the vehicle cargo container from the liftframe, according to claim 46, wherein the plurality of support legs arepositioned in the support position by removing the support legs fromrecesses in a base of the cargo container and adjustably moving theminto the support position.
 48. The method of unloading a cargo containerfrom a lift frame of a vehicle cargo container and lift frame assemblyso as to detach the vehicle cargo container from the lift frame,according to claim 46, wherein the lift frame further comprises a secondlift mechanism moveable with respect to the second end of the framebody, the second lift mechanism comprising: a second lift body having afirst end and a second end, a second lifting surface on the second endof the second lift body and the first end of the second lift body beingpositioned so as to be movable with respect to the second end of theframe body, wherein the second lifting surface is positioned to engagethe underside of the cargo container positioned on the upper side of theframe body; and a second inflatable air bag having an upper side and alower side and mounted on the lower side to a second platform positionedon the frame beneath the second lift body, wherein the second inflatableair bag is connected on the upper side thereof to a second mountingsurface attached to the second lift body; and the source of compressedair is also in fluid communication with the second inflatable air bag,and the method further comprises after step (a) and before step (e), (f)inflating the second inflatable air bag using the source of compressedair to lift the second end of the cargo container such that theunderside of the cargo container contacts the second lifting surface;and (g) deflating the second inflatable air bag using the source ofcompressed air.
 49. The method of unloading a cargo container from alift frame of a vehicle cargo container and lift frame assembly so as todetach the vehicle cargo container from the lift frame, according toclaim 48, wherein the plurality of support legs are positioned in thesupport position by first moving the support legs from first recesses ina base of the cargo container located at the first end of the cargocontainer and adjustably moving the support legs from the first recessesinto the support position while the first inflatable air bag is inflatedand then moving the support legs from second recesses in the base of thecargo container located at the second end of the cargo container andadjustably moving the support legs from the second recesses into thesupport position while the second inflatable air bag is inflated. 50.The method of unloading a cargo container from a lift frame of a vehiclecargo container and lift frame assembly so as to detach the vehiclecargo container from the lift frame, according to claim 48, wherein thefirst and the second inflatable air bags are simultaneously inflatedduring steps (b) and (f).
 51. The method of unloading a cargo containerfrom a lift frame of a vehicle cargo container and lift frame assemblyso as to detach the vehicle cargo container from the lift frame,according to claim 50, wherein the first and the second inflatable airbags are simultaneously deflated during steps (d) and (g).
 52. Themethod of unloading a cargo container from a lift frame of a vehiclecargo container and lift frame assembly so as to detach the vehiclecargo container from the lift frame, according to claim 48, wherein thefirst and the second inflatable air bags are simultaneously deflatedduring steps (d) and (g).